Plett Open Garden Day 2017

Saturday was the perfect day for garden lovers from across the Garden Route, as they made their way through four of Plett’s exceptional gardens.

Local garden lovers thoroughly enjoyed the sixth Plett Open Garden Day, when four lovely Plett gardens were showcased to raise funds for PAWS.

This event has become a firm favourite on the Garden Route calendar, attracting 300 visitors this year and raising about R44 000 for the Plett Animal Welfare Service (PAWS).

The raffle for an original water colour painting by David Hall-Green, valued at R3000, was won by Sally Milton, whose lovely Brackenridge garden was also on show. Sally has not yet decided on the subject of the painting.

She is a deserving winner because, not only has she has supported the raffle for the past five years, she has also sold hundreds of raffle tickets. The PAWS plant and cake sales at Ouland Royale also made a handsome contribution to the total takings for the day.

A peek at this year’s featured gardens

Milton Garden, Brackenridge Estate

This well-structured garden consists of a number of focal areas, including a serenely green and cool courtyard with  water feature. The surrounding garden has colour-changing themed planting with flower and foliar contrast. Quirky plant and bold architectural plants provide dramatic effect. Visitors also enjoyed the spectacular views and other gardens in the Brackenridge Estate. Designed by Wendy Sanderson Smith.

Vilacqua Garden, off Longships Drive

The garden of this upmarket boutique guest villa underwent a complete redesign, which included planters, decking and water features. The large garden is set against a backdrop of mature trees, with mainly indigenous and water-wise plants.  Purple and blue flower colours dominate, with pops of orange and yellow for vibrancy. Designed by Lauren Leech.  The owner, Loretta Bevilacqua, who left Yorkshire to settle in Plett, has created a very stylish guest house and lovely tranquil garden.

Mouton Garden, Beachy Head Drive

This coastal garden features mature Milkwood trees providing several shady areas. A palette of mostly pastel colours – blues, purples, pinks and whites – dominate the wide selection of indigenous and old-fashioned favourites that combine naturally to create a sense of calm. Designed by Graham von Hoesselin. There is a long staircase leading down to the garden.

Brassey Garden, The Meadows.

This lovely two-year old garden was developed from scratch. It has a spacious, open feel, with a view over a pretty pond. It features several different areas, and a traditional herbaceous border, with a mix of indigenous and exotic flowering shrubs. Designed with the help of Tyrone Yates.

This was a wonderful outdoor event, that allowed visitors to view hidden garden gems, while enjoying Plett’s fabulous mountain and ocean views.

For more information on this event or for updates on 2018, contact Marsja Hall-Green : 073 645 9476/ 044 533 4578.